In a significant development, India has overtaken China as the principal contributor of international graduate students to the United States, marking the first time since 2009-10. The Institute of International Education’s latest report, released on Monday, reveals that a record-breaking 268,923 Indian students are pursuing higher education in the US during the academic year 2022-23.
The surge in Indian students heading to the US reflects a remarkable 35% increase, reaching an unprecedented high. Notably, this constitutes more than 25% of the total international student population exceeding one million in the United States.
Breaking down the figures, the report indicates a substantial 63% rise in Indian graduate students, totaling 165,936 in the 2022-23 academic year, a surge of nearly 64,000 students compared to the previous year. Additionally, undergraduate Indian students witnessed a notable 16% increase.
Moreover, India leads in the number of individuals, with 69,062, opting for Optional Practical Training (OPT), emphasizing a growing trend of seeking real-world experience related to their field of study.
The US embassy, acknowledging this historic shift, stated, “India surpassed China to become the largest source of international graduate students in the United States for the first time since 2009/10.”
This achievement has been complemented by a record issuance of student visas by US embassy and consulates in India during the primary student visa season from June to August 2023. An 18% increase was noted, with 95,269 visas issued in the F, M, and J categories during this period compared to 2022.
US ambassador Eric Garcetti commended Indian students and their families for this notable accomplishment, recognizing their investment in global education. He expressed optimism about balancing gender representation and fostering more US students’ interest in experiencing the diverse offerings India provides.
The release of the Open Doors Report, coinciding with the commencement of International Education Week (IEW), underscores the global celebration of the advantages of international education and exchange.
